Featured Archives - VIM Technologies

Part 75 ECMPS Re-Engineering Update

Posted March 1, 2024April 18, 2024

On February 6, 2024, the EPA’s Clean Air Markets Division (CAMD) hosted a webinar to discuss modifications to the existing ECMPS 1.0 Client Tool to accommodate the Good Neighbor Rule and MATS Rule electronic reporting requirements that became effective January 1, 2024. The deadline for implementing ECMPS 2.0 continues to be postponed indefinitely. Indications are pointing to either a 2024 Q3 or 2025 Q1 implementation schedule, with 2025 the likely scenario.

The ECMPS 1.0 Client Tool MATS PDF Submit module will be modified to allow the submittal of XML, JSON, and PDF files and will be renamed accordingly.

CAMD stated that the release date for the stand-alone ECMPS Client Tool would follow the usual deployment schedule and take place around “mid-March.” There were no personnel from EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) to clarify how certain reports would be formatted (XML vs. JSON vs. PDF).

The ECMPS 2.0 schema for the quarterly compliance report has not been finalized and the first report was anticipated to be in JSON format. CAMD suggested that affected sources contact the delegated authority to obtain guidance on whether a PDF copy of the report could continue to be submitted in lieu of an XML or JSON. The same confusion applies to the requirements to submit hourly PM CEMS data, hourly PM CPMS data, and 30/90-day rolling averages. A recording of the webinar will be posted at https://www.epa.gov/power-sector/ecmps-re-engineering-effort but has not been loaded up yet.

All VIM Technologies customers running CEMLink6 who are subject to either the Good Neighbor Rule or the MATS Rule will require a CEMLink6 update before Q1 2024 reporting in April. We are in the final phase of QC and will be prepared to release CEMLink6 Ver. 6.2.550 in late March. This release will allow users to generate MATS quarterly compliance reports and PM CEMS quarterly emission reports in JSON format.

VIM recommends that MATS-affected sources contact their stack test contractors to ensure that they will provide the applicable required MATS stack test data elements specified in Sections 17 through 30 of Appendix E to the MATS Rule in XML format. VIM is not planning to include a CEMLink6 module to generate XML files for MATS compliance tests for elements required in this section of the rule.

VIM Technologies will continue to stay on top of these changes and will provide an update when we know more. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our COMPAS group (COMPAS@vimtechnologies.com) if you have any questions.

ECMPS 2.0 Start Date Postponed

Posted November 17, 2023

UPDATE: ECMPS 2.0 Start Date Postponed

On November 15, 2023, the EPA’s Clean Air Markets Division (CAMD) hosted a webinar to discuss transitioning from ECMPS 1.0 (i.e., the ECMPS Client Tool) to the new web-based ECMPS 2.0 reporting platform. During the webinar, CAMD announced that ECMPS 2.0 would not be used to report quarterly QA and emissions files as initially scheduled for Q1 2024. Additionally, CAMD did not specify a new start date for ECMPS 2.0. The agency does not want to postpone the ECMPS 2.0 implementation date more than once, so they intend to conduct a thorough assessment of the status of the software platform before setting a new realistic start date. CAMD indicated that they hope to complete this assessment before the end of 2023. The webinar was recorded, and a copy will be posted to the ECMPS Re-engineering Effort website at https://www.epa.gov/power-sector/ecmps-re-engineering-effort

Recap of the 2023 VIM User Group and Training Event

Posted November 3, 2023November 4, 2023

We are thrilled to take you through the highlights of the 2023 VIM User Group and Training event, held at the beautiful Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes in Tempe, Arizona from October 24 to 27, 2023. This event brought together VIM end-users for two days of in-depth product and regulatory training. It also served as a platform for end-users and vendors to come together and explore VIM’s latest industry insights and product updates.

Training and Networking
The event kicked off on Tuesday, October 24th, and continued throughout the day on Wednesday, October 25th. Attendees had the opportunity to choose from three tracks of training, including CEMLink 6 and Regulatory training. As a special treat, Wednesday evening featured a delightful Welcome Reception held by the hotel pool, where attendees mingled and exchanged ideas in a relaxed and picturesque setting.

User Group Sessions
Thursday, October 26th marked the commencement of the User Group sessions. . It began with a series of informative updates from VIM executives, providing insights into the company’s strategic direction and vision. The day proceeded with vendor and end-user presentations sharing valuable experiences and expertise, as well as a presentation by a representative from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), shedding light on regulatory matters.

Unforgettable Evening at Rawhide Western Town
One of the most memorable moments of the event was the off-site gathering on Thursday evening, hosted at Rawhide Western Town in Chandler, AZ. Attendees were treated to a delightful array of food and beverages, live music to set the mood, opportunities for capturing old-time photos, the mystique of a roaming magician, and even some dancing to cap off the evening. It was an opportunity for attendees to unwind, socialize, and create lasting memories.

Knowledge Sharing and Closing

The User Group event wrapped up on Friday morning with presentations from VIM staff specializing in Operations and Software Development. These sessions provided attendees with deeper insights into the inner workings of VIM and its commitment to innovation and service excellence.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, and we would like to express our special thanks to our sponsors and vendors for their invaluable contributions in making this event truly remarkable. As we look back on this event, we also look forward to future gatherings and opportunities for shared learning and growth.

Check out some of the photos taken during this event.

EPA Administrator Signs Final Federal “Good Neighbor Plan” for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards

Posted June 7, 2023June 7, 2023

UPDATE: EPA Publishes Final Good Neighbor Plan In Federal Register

On June 5, 2023, EPA published the final Federal “Good Neighbor Plan” for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards in the Federal Register. The rule effective date is August 4, 2023. A copy of the Federal Register version of the final rule is available here. Read below our previous News Post concerning the final rule.

Discover the New LME EDR Tool for ECMPS 2.0 by VIM Technologies

Posted April 26, 2023May 8, 2023

Beginning in the first quarter of 2024, Part 75 sources will be required to report their Electronic Data Reports (EDRs) using the new web-based ECMPS 2.0 platform. This change means that the original ECMPS standalone client tool will no longer be an option for reporting EDRs. This can create some challenges for organizations that need to prepare for this change.

VIM Technologies, a leading provider of innovative solutions for the energy industry, has developed a solution to address this challenge. VIM’s LME EDR Tool for ECMPS 2.0 is an advanced web-based utility tool that provides an efficient and cost-effective solution for creating Part 75 Low Mass Emitter (LME) XML & JSON formatted Electronic Data Reports (EDR).

The upcoming webinar, “LME EDR Tool for ECMPS 2.0,” hosted by VIM on May 24th from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM ET, will provide an opportunity to learn more about this innovative tool. During the webinar, attendees will see a demonstration of the tool’s features and capabilities and have the chance to ask questions. REGISTER HERE

The LME EDR Tool for ECMPS 2.0 is designed to help LME sources create and format their EDRs with ease and efficiency while ensuring the accuracy and completeness of their data. The tool is user-friendly and intuitive, allowing LME sources to quickly and easily create EDRs without requiring technical expertise. This feature ensures that users can adapt to the new system quickly.

Platform users can also manually enter operating and long-term fuel flow data or import a CSV file, one that’s been used for years in the current ECMPS client tool. If the existing CSV file import format isn’t suitable for you, or if it takes hours or labor, and resources to convert it, VIM can develop a custom import utility that matches your exact file format needs, thus reducing the need to convert and risk transcription errors.

In addition to being easy to use, the LME EDR Tool for ECMPS 2.0 is also highly secure and dependable. VIM has taken measures to ensure that the tool is safe and that data remains confidential. Users can trust that their data is protected and that they will be in compliance with regulations.

LME EDR Tool for ECMPS 2.0 is web-based, which means that LME sources can access it from anywhere with an internet connection. This feature allows users to work on their EDRs at any time that is convenient for them without needing to be in the same physical location.

Overall, the LME EDR Tool for ECMPS 2.0 is an essential solution for LME sources who want to improve their EDR reporting processes and ensure that their data is accurate, complete, and compliant with regulations. The upcoming webinar provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about this innovative tool and discover how it can benefit your organization.

Try out the LME EDR Tool for ECMPS 2.0 Today! Launch LME EDR Tool

If you’re interested in hearing more about this utility or want a private demonstration, please reach out to a sales representative at sales@vimtechnologies.com.

EPA Publishes Proposed MATS Rule Revisions in Federal Register

Posted April 24, 2023April 28, 2023

On April 24, 2023, EPA published proposed revisions to the MATS Rule (Subpart UUUUU, 40 CFR Part 63) in the Federal Register. Comments on the proposed rule are due on or before June 23, 2023. EPA will hold a virtual public hearing on May 9, 2023. A copy of the proposed rule is available HERE.

As an overview, EPA is proposing to (1) eliminate the surrogate non-Hg metals HAP standard for filterable PM compliance for existing coal-fired EGUs; (2) require PM CEMS to demonstrate compliance with the applicable filterable PM limit (thereby eliminating the quarterly stack testing option); (3) set a new Hg emission limit for EGUs combusting lignite; and (4) remove “Startup Definition 2.”

The EPA Administrator signed the proposed MATS Rule on April 3, 2023. You can find a link to our previous website news post HERE, which features a redline/strikeout version of the proposed rule and a summary of the proposed revisions.

We welcome any questions or concerns you may have regarding the impact of these rule changes, and we would be more than happy to connect you with a regulatory specialist to discuss further. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our COMPAS group at compas@vimtechnologies.com if you require any assistance. Additionally, if you need help updating your DAHS (Data Acquisition and Handling System) to ensure compliance with the changes, our support group at support@vimtechnologies.com is always available and ready to help.

ANNOUNCING: 2023 VIM User Group & Training

Posted April 18, 2023May 19, 2023

Updated 5/19/2023: REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our 2023 User Group & Training event is happening on October 24-27, 2023 at beautiful Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes in Tempe, AZ.

We have a jam-packed schedule of events planned for you that we’re sure you’ll find exciting and engaging. Let’s take a look at what’s in store:

Training Sessions
Firstly, on October 24-25, we have arranged two days of comprehensive training sessions, which are designed to enhance your skills and deepen your knowledge of our products and services. Our expert trainers will provide valuable insights and hands-on experience to help you optimize your use of our offerings. We’re confident that you’ll walk away feeling more confident and knowledgeable in your use of our services.

Welcome Reception
On the evening of October 25, we will be hosting a Welcome Reception where you can network and connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and sponsors. You can enjoy delicious refreshments and prepare for an engaging User Group event.

User Group
The main event kicks off on October 26 and runs until the afternoon of October 27. We have a packed agenda of informative sessions, panel discussions, and interactive workshops lined up. Learn from industry experts, share your experiences, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends and best practices in our field. This is the perfect opportunity for you to connect with like-minded individuals and build lasting relationships.

Offsite Event
On October 26, we’ve also planned an exciting offsite event where you can relax, unwind, and have fun with your fellow attendees.

Be on the lookout for event and hotel registration links, as well as the training agenda, which we expect to have live by the end of the month. We want to ensure you have all the information you need to plan your attendance at our 2023 User Group & Training. Stay tuned for updates, and be sure to secure your spot early!

We hope you’re just as excited as we are about this upcoming event. It’s going to be an incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. We can’t wait to see you there!

Check out some of the fun memories from our last User Group & Training Event!

EPA Administrator Signs Proposed MATS Rule Revisions

Posted April 10, 2023May 10, 2023

On April 3, 2023, the EPA Administrator signed proposed revisions to Subpart UUUUU of 40 CFR Part 63, commonly known as the Mercury Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule. The signed rule was submitted for publication in the Federal Register. A copy of the unofficial internet version of the rule preamble is available here. A redline/strikeout copy of the proposed rule is available here. Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before sixty (60) days after the date of publication in the Federal Register. EPA also intends to host a virtual public hearing on fifteen (15) days after publication in the Federal Register. VIM Technologies (VIM) will post an official copy of this rule notification once it is published in the Federal Register. A few key proposed revisions are outlined below.